Methodist Church and Percy’s Store (L to R), 1920s.
The store burned down later. The community is known for the Jonah Water
Special Utility District, established in 1972, which serves a large
rural area.

Courtesy of Harlan Hays

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thumbnail images for an enlarged view

image 1002
This is the original bridge over the San Gabriel river at
Jonah, before it was washed away in the 1921 flood.

image 1024
Richard E. Talbot, born in Cambridge, NY, 17 June 1816, of
Irish immigrant parents. He came to Texas with his wife and
children in 1850s to join brothers Elias and Joseph Talbot.
Richard and Joseph Talbot are buried in the IOOF cemetery in
Georgetown. Elias Talbot and family buried in the San
Gabriel Cemetery. Richard Talbot settled near Jonah before
it was named Jonah. See page 292 of "Williamson County, Its
History"

image 8317
Anna Louise Trowbridge Talbot, wife of R.E. Talbot. She came
to the area in 1853 and lived between Circleville and Jonah.
Came to the area in 1853. Her husband was the brother of
Joseph Talbot of Taylor, Texas and brother of Elias Talbot,
merchant in Georgetown, Texas. Who was a friend of Sam
Houston, ca.1854

image 9013
Original Jonah School & Play Yard, ca.1915

image 9056
Jonah Gin, Jonah, Texas, ca. 1920s

image 9014
Service Station and Garage, built by Homer Hood, ca. 1925,
Jonah, Texas

image 9048
Builders of dam for mill near Jonah, Texas, ca 1895, for
water wheel to power grinding wheat for flour mill.

image 9048
Water dam to power flour mill on hill, burned ca. 1902 or
1903, San Gabriel River,
Jonah, Texas

Jonah
HistoryHistorical Narrative
by
Mrs. W. H. Percy
Places, people and events make History. Old abstracts afford
much interesting reading about people, and the early days in
Texas.

Texas and Coahuila were still under Mexican rule in 1829.
Colonies were being established, even encouraged.

Moses Austin and Stephen F. Austin and others founded colonies.

About 1824 James Warnock was granted a large tract of land.
Quote: ''Whereas James Warnock has been received as a colonist
in the enterprise of colonization. This grant was a part of the
Nashville Colony.

In 1851 James Madison Burris bought for $500 a large part of the
Nashville Grant. This land lies south of the San Gabriel River
at Jonah and extends south and west.

Early colonists tried to choose locations near a stream of
water, and the village was originally called ..Water Valley'', a
good name and a good location. The land was open prairie with
timber along the streams.

Early important settlers - James Madison and Nancy Burris had
six children: William, James H., Mary, Ellie, Bettie and
Clarissa. Each child was given a section of land. James M.
Burris is buried in the old family cemetery, just across the
river, from Jonah. On his grave is the following inscription:

James Madison Burris, Born November 25, 1815. Died July 1,
1900.
Epitaph
'took here, friends as you pass by
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you must be,
Prepare for death and follow me, "

There are many descendants of James and Nancy Burris. His great
granddaughter, Mrs. Fannie Gattis, and great, great grandson,
Leon Gattis live in Jonah at this time.

Another large tract of land belonged to J. T. and Penelope
Mileham. This land was north of the San Gabriel River and along
Mileham Branch. Along the branch are many springs that have
furnished water in dry years. The Mileham's had a large family,
and as each daughter married, they were given a dowry of horse,
mules and cattle. One dowry consisted of thirty picked mares,
(colts were thrown in) for $44.00 each, and sixty-one head of
cattle for $22.50 each.

Mary Mileham married J. B. Salyer and they lived in Jonah for
many years.

Much of the land around Jonah was part of the Mileham tract.
When Mr. Mileham died, his wife Penelope was appointed
administrates. Appraisers for the estate were Thomas Bruce,
Martin Magee and J. R. Roberts.

East of Jonah w. another large tract known as the Whitley land.

The late Mrs. J. L. Starnes and Mrs. Bruce Rowlett were heirs to
part of this estate.

As the years passes by a few people lived between the San
Gabriel and the Mileham Branch. There were no bridges and
transportation was by mule and horse. There was a small, one
room school house, and some people say the first court house was
in Jonah, near where the gin is now.

By 1884 some of the prairies land was being put in cultivation,
and some fences built. People raised at home a large part of
their food. Hogs were butchered for meat. Fireplaces provided
heat. Most families went to the woods to cut wood for winter
use. There was probably more community spirit then, than we have
now.

In 1884 Mr. John Walker operated a general merchandise store in
Jonah, still called 'Water Valley.. Mrs. Will Thornton was the
daughter of John Walker.

The general merchandise store in 1884 was similar to the first
Sears, Roebuck Catalogue of 1897, but of course on a very
limited scale. On Saturdays the farmers came to buy the week's
groceries, and since there was no need to rush, they would
linger to discuss various community affairs. The .hoop cheese
was on the counter, and the cracker box open, so a bite of lunch
was available. Flour, sugar and green coffee came in barrels.
People parched the coffee at home. The coffee mill hung on the
pantry walls.

On one of these occasions the need for a post office was
discussed. So they decided to send the name Water Valley for a
name to the Postal Department in Washington. Since there was one
other town named Water Valley. it was not accepted. Other names
were sent in, and all were rejected for the same reason. Finally
someone present exclaimed "It surely is a Jonah" let's call the
post office Jonah. So Jonah it has been and still Jonah since
1884.

Thanks to the general Services Administration.

The following persons have served as postmasters at Jonah, Texas
John Walker March 31, 1884
G. W. Grammor January 14, 1886
Sallie Davidson August 21,1886
Abraham Bogart November 26, 1890
William G. McDonald June 3, 18535
John Rowlett February 23, 1909
William H. Percy May 14, 1917
Firie Leon Gattis August 11, 1951

J.T. Mileham along with the Ake family moved to Takao from
Arkansas in 1851. They cane by covered wagon, driving stock,
cows, oxen and hogs, and brought their slaves. They landed in
Jonah and Georgetown community.

J.T. Mileham married a Speegle girl on the trip. She died at the
birth of their first child, also the baby died. J.T. Mileham
then married Phenelope Ake.

The Grist Mill was built by J.T. Mlileham on the San Gabriel
river, near Water Valley during the Civil War, 1865, and was in
operation, grinding wheat and corn.

J.T. Mileham sold the Mill Rights to J.R. Roberts (whose wife
was an Ake). Roberts sold to Capt. Bruce (Confederate Army) and
Will G. Mc Donald. Capt Bruce then sold his share to Will G. Mc
Donald. Will Mc Donald was Capt Bruce's son-in-law.

In later years, J.B. Salyer and Jim Hays owned the Mill when it
burned in the summer of 1912.

The tract of land was from the Mileham and Mc Donald place. The
original Post Office is still there, the general merchandise
store, the Old Blacksmith Shop. The iron bridge still stands,
and is usable. The Jonah Citizens are dedicated to their
“Historic Jon. community.

The three sponsors are all Jonah descendants, their families
were early pioneers, with exception of Mrs. W.H. Percy, who
moved there in 1908.